Page 87 of Falling for the CEO

She'd only reached out a few minutes ago, so with a little luck, she should pick up. I called her back right away.

"Hey, girl," she answered. She had herfabulousvoice on, which meant she was with company. "Wait a second."

"I’m waiting," I said.

I heard sounds of furniture moving, probably her pushing back her chair, and then the sound of steps before she said, "Okay, now we’re alone. Listen, two things. One, I've been chatting with this guy who builds gorgeous websites. He’s looking to hire more people on his team. He’s fabulous, and I mentioned you, though I know you like your current job."

“I do, but I’d like a new challenge. Taylor, you didn't have to do that."

"Of course I did. You're my best friend, and you're good at your job."

"Thanks. I love that you always have my back." In many ways, she was like my sister.

"Anyway, if that's cool by you, I could send him your resume."

"Sure."

"Then that's settled."

"And what was the other thing?"

"I'm going to return sooner. I've wrapped up everything I needed to do here, and the weather in Italy just turned to shit, so the hotel and I have agreed to postpone this to another time."

"Oh." My chest constricted. "Okay, sure. Just tell me the day, and I'll leave everything prepped for you and move back."

"Don't be silly. You can stay for as long as you want."

"Taylor, I've got my own place." I tried to sound enthusiastic. "It's high time I went back and dealt with it. I'm already thinking about how to renovate it." That was a lie.

"No, you're not."

Obviously, my friend could see right through me.

"Well, no, I haven't thought about it. But I’m starting to now.”

“Now I'm feeling guilty."

"For returning to your own home?”

“Penny, there's plenty of space for both of us. You can crash with me for as long as you want."

"Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got my place."

"You're stubborn. I'm going to let you know what day I'll be back as soon as I've made the travel arrangements." Then Taylor added, "But if you change your mind, you're more than welcome to stay, okay?"

"Sure," I said. But I wasn't going to. I didn't want to cross a line. No matter how big her house was, I couldn't just crash here with her.

"And don't forget to send me your resume."

"I'll do it right now," I said.

"Good, I'm waiting for it."

Oh, I would seriously miss this house. Even though I'd only been here a while, it already felt like home. And I did enjoy the animals; Becky had become a good friend, and the three S’s had their moments, although their litter boxes could get a bit nasty. I opened my laptop and glanced at my resume. I hadn't dusted it off in a while. I mostly relied on people contacting me on LinkedIn. Ten minutes later, I sent it to Taylor.

My heart felt heavy, but I wasn't going to let the situation get me down. I had a great plan for today. After work, I’d go out into the city, and in the evening, I’d spoil Spencer and Ben.

I focused on the three websites I was working on today right up until five o’clock. The second I closed the laptop, I thought about moving and how much I was going to miss Spencer.

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